Paul Sens, a 15-year judge who has led Municipal Court and served as its advocacy voice, will no longer play that role after stepping down as chief judge. Family health issues were among the main reasons cited for the move, which came last week.

Paul Sens, left, and Desiree Charbonnet

Sens has been a strident defender of the court amid criticism of its financial practices, its take-home car policy for judges and a recommendation by New Orleans Inspector General Ed Quatrevaux to consolidate municipal and traffic courts.

He will apparently remain on the bench but has been replaced as chief judge by Judge Desiree Charbonnet, who is serving her second term on the bench.

In an e-mail, Sens said he wasn't ready to discuss the move.

Sens has been a fixture at City Council budget meetings, arguing for more money amid a shift of thousands of misdemeanor cases from the criminal district court.

His entreaties have met with verbal support from the council, but not new money.

Sens, 56, also has faced scrutiny surrounding a close relationship with Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman, who like Sens cut his political teeth as a top aide in the administration of former Mayor Marc Morial.

Sens' wife, Ann Garvey Sens, made almost $73,000 as an appraiser for Gusman's office last year. Gusman's wife, Renee Gusman, continues to work for Municipal Court running a counseling program for marijuana offenders.

Both men have defended the hires as above-board. Sens said he hired Renee Gusman, without bidding, because she was "uniquely qualified" for the post.